What Are Your Goals?

If any of you read my previous posts, you would know that I am very goal-oriented. There is something about setting a goal for yourself that forces you to work harder. When you achieve that goal, there is nothing like it. I had a goal to run an ultra-marathon by the time I was 30. I achieved this goal by setting smaller goals along the way. I started with a 5k, then a 10k, then a half-marathon, then a metric marathon, then a full marathon, until I ran my first ultra-marathon. I cried after achieving every one of these goals. Why? Because it was important to me. Every one of those moments were a defining point in my life. Every one of those moments showed me that I was capable of way more than I ever thought I could be. Completing a Tough Mudder and a Spartan Race was part of this. I also ran the Merrells Down and Dirty in DC, a 10k. After completing it the first time, the 2nd time I elected to ruck it in the brick division, 40lb of bricks in a backpack. None of this is to toot my own horn although I am proud of myself for putting in the work to achieve these goals. It goes to show that if you set smaller goals for yourself, even an average guy like me can do great things.

So what are my goals moving forward? I have signed up for the Spartan Super in VA on Aug 22. This is the third race for my trifecta, which is a goal of mine. In September, I want to compete in the Civilian Military Combine in the Poconos. I think my running and crossfit background will fare me well in a race designed like that. The Battlefrog series looks challenging and was rated high in the OCR arena so that might be worth giving a shot. I also want to complete an Ironman triathlon. The Ironman is a longer term goal. This isn’t something that I can do this year, nor have I extensively trained for it. The Ironman is one of those races that are reserved for elite athletes. I want to be in that club. Maybe next year. Fitness wise, I want to be able to bench twice my body weight. I got a ways to go on that one, farther to go since I’ve put on 20lb in the last 4 months. I’ve always wanted to be that guy that can bench twice his body weight then go out and run a 6 minute mile. When I think of fit, THAT is it. That is why I personally aspire to be.

Whatever your goals are, put in the work to meet them. Figure out how to make that happen. Set smaller goals along the way. I don’t want to see anyone sitting around their living rooms at 75 years old, reminiscing on life, and thinking “man, I wish I would have done __________.” Dream big. Aspire to do more, be more. You never know what you’re capable of until you give it an honest shot. So I ask you….what are your goals?